We are delighted to see the return of organised outdoor football from today (29 March) as part of the next stage of the Government’s roadmap out of national lockdown.

The FA have published the following updated guidance, based on the latest Government advice available, which applies to all outdoor youth and adult football and Futsal, including all formats of the game.

Travel
The Government guidance on travel is that the ‘stay at home’ rule will end on Monday 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. As organised sport can resume, all participants may travel to games but should avoid travel at the busiest times and routes, as well as minimising any unnecessary journeys where possible. All participants must follow the Government’s guidance on safer travel.

Changing rooms
Changing rooms cannot be used as part of step one in the roadmap out of lockdown and must remain shut. Toilets will be allowed to open, 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after training and/or matches. All government guidance on hygiene and social distancing measures must be followed.

Spectators
No spectators are allowed at grassroots football as part of step one of the Government’s roadmap. One parent or guardian per child is permitted, where clubs and facilities can safely accommodate this and following all appropriate guidance.

Indoor football
Indoor sport is not currently allowed. This is planned to return no earlier than Monday 12 April for U18s and Monday 17 May for adults, as part of steps two and three of the Government’s roadmap. Disability football is allowed to take place indoors from the 29 March.

It's extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from the FA. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the local County Football Association.

As we move through the different steps of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown or if there are further updates from the Government, this guidance will be updated and communicated by the FA in due course.

The latest full updated guidance documents issued last week can be found in our dedicated Covid-19 section HERE.